God Speaking

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The beginning of a new year stirs many emotions within us. A new start. A turning of the page. A chance to begin afresh. To be resolute. We begin to hear of others around us making New Year Resolutions. Some of these fall into the frivolous category. Losing 10 lbs. before St Valentine’s Day. Joining the Gym. Learning to speak Italian before the summer holidays etc. Some are more serious in nature. Vowing to mend those broken relationships. Planning this year to be rid of those crippling debts. Promising oneself to finally leave that dead end job. Unfortunately as we all know many of these frivolous or noble plans fall by the wayside as the year rolls on. I went to the dictionary to check out the word

It is a very strong word and we learn this when we read the definition;

Resolute (res·o·lute [rez–uh-loot])

1. firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion.

2. characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc.

So how do we approach this New Year, being resolute about wanting this year to be different? How can we be determined to overcome those areas in our lives that are robbing us of true joy? How can this year be one of constant faith an unwavering belief in the Lord? How can we be more decisive in our actions? God’s word is always our source of strength and comfort.

Paul knew the problems Christians would face as they were surrounded by the temptations of the world around them as this was his wise advice,

“You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22 – 24)

A new attitude. A change of heart. A new self.

The wonderful news is that we do not have to depend on ourselves to make this New Year one that is brimming with fulfilled resolutions. Our Lord is well acquainted with our weaknesses and is always standing by ready to offer his assistance and his power for us to achieve our goals. He knows where a lot of our wavering happens and tells us through the prophet Ezekiel that if we are willing to come to him he will bring about great changes where most of our problems start.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

The other wonderful steadying thought that we can hang on to as we start this New Year, is that God’s promises are not a one-off occurrence. Even if we falter he is there without hesitation to pick us up, forgive us and start us off afresh again.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22 – 23)

That verse inspired the beautiful hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”.

New Every Morning

The Lord’s loving kindness

Indeed will never cease

And his compassion

Will never fade away

They are new every morning

They are new every day

For great is Thy faithfulness

For great is Thy faithfulness.

Related articles

• A New Year’s Resolution You Can Keep: Be Who You Say You Are (dougmatlock.wordpress.com)
• Resolutions (jacobbembry.wordpress.com)